Pressure Groups

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Introduction

Pressures groups definitely strengthen the concept of democracy, they in affect minimise particular anomalies within the system. It is because of this I believe them to be an asset rather than a hiderance to the democratic process. A chief strength of pressure groups is that they allow participation between elections, they keep politicians in touch with public opinion between elections which can be up to five years. For ordinary citizens pressure groups are the vehicle which gives them a means of influencing politicians in between general elections and ensuring that governments are kept aware of the issues that people are most concerned about. Pressure groups increase social cohesion and political stability by providing a safety valve outlet for individual collective grievances and demands. Pressure Groups give a voice to minority groups, they offer protection to minorities who might otherwise be overlooked or discriminated against. In this respect pressure groups can provide a valuable counterweight to the tyranny of the majority People whom act with like minded fellow citizens are more likely to be listened to than if they acted as isolated individuals. ...read more.

Middle

An example of the pervious is the scandalas lack of parental rights that is attributed to fathers in the family courts, this injustice was advocated by the disbanded pressure group Fathers for justice. Regarding the pluralist model of democracy pressure groups play a vital role. Pressure groups unlike political parties cannot provide adequate representation for the full range of diverse interests and opinions in a modern democracy, because their key function is to aggregate interests into a coherent political entity capable of governing the country. Unlike pressure groups, political parties are often preoccupied with winning elections and thus pressure groups are an advantage because they don't seek elections and can therefore focus on the concerns at hand. It is exactly the representation of specialist sectional interests and single issues which give cause for concern, both in terms of methods used to achieve objectives and of the undue power and influence which particular lobbyists can exert. Pressure groups can also be said to provide alternative viewpoints espcialy in a politicial climate where the government is similiar to the officicial oppsition. ...read more.

Conclusion

Pressure groups enable new concerns and issues to reach the political agenda, thereby facilitating social progress and preventing social stagnation. For example, the feminist and environmentalist movements. Pressure groups are a the products of freedom of association, which is a fundamental principle of liberal democracy. Freely operating pressure groups are essential to the effective functioning of liberal democracy in three main ways: they serve as vital intermediary institutions between government and society; they assist in the dispersal of political power; and they provide important counterweights to balance the concentration of power as a result it is rather evident that such a orgainsateion is a advantage and a key ally to democracy. Pressure groups are an essential dimension of any democracy, yet they can endanger democracy if sectional groups undermine the public interest or if the methods they use are corrupt or intimidating In conclustion on balance pressure groups are a excellent tool to democracy and are hence a strength to the democratic practice by on large. ?? ?? ?? ?? In What ways do pressure groups strengthen democracy? ...read more.

Related AS and A Level Pressure Groups essays

Democracy is a system of government where decisions are arrived are by majoritarian principles where political equality and freedom allow the voter an effective choice between competing candidates in a secret ballot. Therefore political parties can't provide sufficient representation for the full range of interests in a modern, democratic society.

For example, in America, the AARP claims over 40 million members, many of whom will actively engage in political interests. Another vital role that they play comes in education; both to do with governmental decisions as well as social issues.

This enhances democracy, as it shows that the public can still be influential in determining who the government are swayed by. To conclude, it is clear that wealth can be extremely beneficial in enabling a pressure group to sway the decisions made by the government.

For example the Anti Fox Hunting group has a reputation for violence and extreme action as its method of making itself heard. In fairness to the group this has worked as media attention has been vast. However as violence occurs government needs to crush it.

Plainly pluralists accord a great deal of power to the media. Pluralists also accord a significant degree of influence and power to pressure and interest groups, primarily because there is a recognition that, "for most people politics is a remote, alien and unrewarding activity."4 This is

Strategic Position: 1. Some sectional groups are in a special position because the community relies on them eg: the emergency services, gas and electricity producers, food producers 2. Others are relied on by the government to implement key polices eg: large businesses, commercial enterprises, banks, financial institutions and the City are all important in the success/failure of financial policies.

As a result members of pressure groups are brought in often to help a party generate new ideas. Pressure groups are also play a big part in enhancing the Parliamentary democracy that we live in today. MP?s are well known for not knowing what the public feel about a particular point of view.